Governor
Issues Disaster Declarations for Five CountiesContinuing hot weather and wildfire activity ravaging forests and rangelands
prompted Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter to issue “disaster emergency” declarations
for five counties on Monday in response to requests from local authorities.
Cassia, Idaho, Nez Perce, Owyhee and Twin Falls counties officially
contacted the Governor’s office on Monday seeking the declarations, which
cite the risk to life and property as a result of uncontrolled wildfires.
The state of disaster will remain in place for 30 days unless terminated,
changed or extended for another 30-day period.
The declarations authorize the use of state government resources to
assist in efforts to deal with the affected counties.
“Federal, state and local help has been mobilizing since last week.
Now that county leaders have reviewed the situation, we’re ready to provide
all the assistance we can to folks damaged or at risk from the fires,”
Governor Otter said. “All over the state, Idahoans are pulling together
to protect their homes and property. The state is committed to supporting
those local efforts.”